Newton’s Rogers signs with West Georgia Tech

Kishon Rogers excelled on the Newton High basketball team and will look to continue that success at West Georgia Technical College starting next season.

Rogers signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the Carrollton college Friday morning.

"We are very excited Kishon is joining our program," said West Georgia Technical College coach Niki Okolvitch. "He has the right demeanor and has a nice overall skills set."

Rogers developed throughout his time with the Rams, including his senior season helping Newton go 16-10 in 2012-13, and will look to continue to develop at the next level.

"It feels good to be playing college basketball because that has always been my dream," Rogers said. "I know I have to step up and become a man from here on out."

Rogers said his best memories of playing at Newton is all the winning he was able to be a part of. Rogers also had advice for underclassmen:

"Keep working hard in the classroom and on the court," he said.

Newton basketball coach Rick Rasmussen has been a big part in helping Rogers get to this point, thanks to the player himself.

"We are very proud of Ki and all that he has accomplished. I will always remember him asking me how he can improve and what he needs to work on in his game," Rasmussen said. "His willingness to keep working to get better is what I will remember the most about Kishon.

Rasmussen will continue to follow Rogers’ career, both when he has home games and on the road against interleague foe Oxford College.

"We look forward to watching him play next season, especially when he comes back home to play Oxford College in a big conference game," Rasmussen said.

This is a big step for Rogers in a career which has already had big steps.

"Only one in 200 plus high school basketball players go on to play college ball, so any student-athlete who does so should be proud," Rasmussen said.

"Rogers will be one of eight players from our program actively playing college basketball next season.

"He is the 15th overall to be offered a scholarship since I became head coach eight seasons ago. We are so proud of all our Rams."